THE stage on which John Lennon first met Paul McCartney is to go up for auction.

THE stage on which John Lennon first met Paul McCartney is to go up for auction.

The piece of pop music history could fetch as much as #50,000.

McCartney was in the audience when Lennon performed on the stage with his skiffle group The Quarrymen during a garden fete at St Peter's Church hall, Woolton, in July 1957.

It was the start of a musical partnership that would create some of the 20th century's best loved songs.

The stage, which survived a fire at the hall two months ago, is being sold as part of the building's restoration.

The stage features the original green-painted steps, wooden flooring, frontage and rigging. The buyer will have 21 days to remove it.

Other internal fittings are also up for sale at the Fleetwood Owen auction at London's Sticky Fingers Cafe on November 27.

The sale of the stage has disappointed many Fab Four fans, who believe it should remain in the city as part of Liverpool's heritage.

But Canon John Roberts, of St Peter's Church, said: "The hall is 100 years old and the stage has been there for about as long.

"We reckon 400 people use the hall each week. You cannot do 21st century work in a Victorian building any more. There are health and safety matters to take into account. The money raised will be spent on the hall."

Beatles fans with up to #800 to spare will be able to buy the door that led from the hall to the cloakroom and toilets. An exit sign could fetch as much as #600, while light fittings could go for up to #500.

Other Beatles memorabilia, including George Harrison's first guitar and a piano owned by Lennon, will also be sold.

Auctioneer Ted Owen said: "The stage is one of the most impeccable pieces to come up at auction because of the meeting between Lennon and McCartney. It's a piece of post-war history. It's where Paul joined the band."

* FORMER Beatle Pete Best has become a grandfather for the fourth time.

Pete's daughter Donita gave birth to a girl weighing just under 8lbs at Liverpool Women's Hospital last week.

The baby has been named Honey. Pete has two other grand-daughters and a grandson.

Pete, 59, who lives in West Derby, said: "I'm absolutely delighted. She is lovely. I idolise all my grandchildren."